IT HAS became the norm to see new National First Division teams struggle to make an impact in their first season in the league – and Magesi FC can attest to that.
The Limpopo based outfit had a first round to forget in their first stint in the NFD, missing out on at least 15 points in their first 15 fixtures.
They are bottom of the table with 11 points from their two victories and five draws.
Head coach Shepherd Murape has revealed that they will be releasing eight to 10 players to make way for new signings in this transfer window as they aim to make an impact in the second round – which will be no easy feat. Lack of experience was one of Dikwena tsa Meetse’s main issues and contributed to their poor performance.
Magesi will need to sign players capable of improving their weak defence, which has conceded 24 goals.
Murape declared that they would add at least four players, including a goalkeeper.
He said: “We are not looking for big names to save our ship from sinking, we need ordinary players able to adapt to the NFD. It’s make or break for us now. I will use the break wisely to get the team ready for the second round.”
Murape said the first round was a steep learning curve for his charges.
“The first round was a good experience for the boys. It was their first time playing in this league and they learned a lot, despite the fact that results didn’t go our way.
“When we return for the second round they will be in a different space of mind and I believe my experience in this league will play a big role in making sure we remain in the NFD at the end of the season,” he said.
Also finding themselves in the same precarious situation in the NFD as Magesi are former PSL champions Santos and Cape Town All Stars.